‘Very appealing biography’: How Nebraska native Tim Walz could help Harris in Midwest

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Vice President Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday as her running mate.

Walz grew up in Nebraska, graduating high school in Butte before joining the Nebraska National Guard.

He earned a degree at Chadron State College and taught social studies in Alliance.

“All of this adds up to a very appealing biography in terms of who you want by your side, particularly when you are the first African American woman to run for a major-party ticket,” said Doane University political science professor Timothy Hill.

Hill said the Democratic Party thinks the work Walz did as Minnesota’s governor is attractive to Americans as a whole.

Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb agreed.

“He has a solid record of supporting the LGBTQ community, he has a solid record in protecting women’s reproductive freedom, and he does that from a perspective that is very rural,” Kleeb said. “He says if it doesn’t bother the cattle, it doesn’t bother me.”

Kleeb thinks that approach will “resonate with a lot of” voters.

Even though Walz is from Nebraska, Hill doesn’t think most Nebraskans will change their votes.

Illustrating his point, Sen. Pete Ricketts said on Facebook that the Harris and Walz are “the most radical left-wing ticket in American history.”

But Hill thinks Walz could help in the 2nd Congressional District.

Kleeb said since Harris announced she would be on top of the ticket, polling has already shifted in the 2nd District.

And she said Democrats won’t give up in the rest of the state, either.

“Now having Walz be a messenger that can connect with moderate and rural voters, we believe we have a shot, not just in Nebraska, but in states like Iowa, Kansas or other Midwest states,” Kleeb said.

Channel 8 reached out to the Nebraska Republican party for comment but did not receive a response.